Defense rests in Wlasiuk murder trial; closing statements today

NORWICH – Following twelve days of testimony in the trial of accused murderer Peter Wlasiuk, Binghamton attorney Mark Loughran wrapped up his defense of the former Oxford resident and owner of the Angel Inn in Guilford, calling a total of seven witnesses to the stand over the past two days.

“The defense rests,” stated Loughran Wednesday afternoon.

It’s alleged that Wlasiuk, in April of 2002, killed his wife at their Oxford home and later staged an accident at Guilford Lake in an effort to cover-up the crime. He has twice been charged – and convicted – of second degree murder, a class A-1 felony. Both convictions were overturned on appeal, in 2006 and 2011, respectively.

According to Wlasiuk, Patricia was driving his 1998 GMC pick-up truck east along County Road 35 when she swerved to miss a deer, crashing into the lake. The couple, he says, were on their way to the babysitter’s to pick up their three children. Wlasiuk, however, later changed his story, stating Patricia intentionally drove into the lake as the couple argued.

Wlasiuk could face up to 25 years to life in state prison if convicted for a third time.

Joyce Worden, who was babysitting the Wlasiuks’ three daughters at her Guilford residence the night of Patricia’s death, testified she had known the couple for approximately 10 years. In addition, Worden admitted she and the Wlasiuks had formed a three-way, sexual relationship; one she said was requested by Patricia.